Archive · 6 Aug 2025
Iconic Pre-Independence Indian Restaurants Still Thriving
Imagine traveling back in time to eat!
This story is about five very old restaurants in India that are still serving delicious food today.
They started before India became independent in 1947.
One is a famous coffee shop in Kolkata where smart people used to meet.
Another is in Bangalore, known for yummy dosas.
In Mumbai, there's a Parsi restaurant with tasty rice.
Finally, in Lucknow there's a place known for super soft kebabs.
These places have survived wars and changes, keeping their special recipes and making people happy with every bite.
Five pre-1947 Indian restaurants, still operating, are highlighted for their historical significance.
Indian Coffee House in Kolkata, established in 1876, is known for its old-school charm and intellectual atmosphere.
Mavalli Tiffin Room (MTR) in Bangalore, founded in 1924, is famous for its masala dosas and wartime innovation of rava idli.
Britannia & Co. in Mumbai, established in 1923, is a Parsi restaurant known for its Berry Pulao and nostalgic ambiance.
Tunday Kababi in Lucknow, founded in 1905, is famous for its Galouti Kebab, a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy.
- Who
- Indian Coffee House, MTR, Britannia & Co., Tunday Kababi, and Karim's.
- What
- Five pre-independence Indian restaurants and their historical significance.
- When
- Founded before 1947, still thriving today.
- Where
- Kolkata, Bangalore, Mumbai, Lucknow, and Delhi.
- Why
- To highlight culinary history and offer a taste of the past.
- Indian Coffee House (Kolkata) Founded
- 1876 (Renamed in 1942)
- Mavalli Tiffin Room (MTR) (Bangalore) Founded
- 1924
- Britannia & Co. (Mumbai) Founded
- 1923
- Tunday Kababi (Lucknow) Founded
- 1905
- Karim’s (Delhi) Founded
- 1913
- Tunday Kababi Kebab Recipe
- Reportedly over 160 ingredients